Once I tried two of these CO2 bags from Exhale CO2 in a 4’x2’x6’ grow tent. Honestly I couldn’t tell if it helped since I had other issues that interfered with that harvest. This time I’m going for a bedroom grow. I suppose they could be suspended over the plants, but two bags are $140 for Christ’s sake.
Does anyone think these are worth $70 each? I think one bag is supposed to last for one grow cycle (4 months approx).
I’ve tried CO2 tanks as well, but it’s expensive with $20 refills on 5 pound containers, especially when you open the valve too much.
Not in my opinion. I bought a carbon dioxide meter because I was tired of spending money over and over again on the bags, buckets, and pads that supposedly produce CO2. There was never a point that the meter showed any difference except when I held it up against the products directly, and even then it only went up slightly and dropped right back down again when I put it back with the plants.
I also tried 1 gallon jars with a yeast/sugar/pureed tomato mixture. It definitely produces CO2. When I put the meter over the jar, it shot right up, but even with 4 jars in my 4 x 6 closet grow it never managed to raise the level in grow room at all.
Also, factor in that most of us have exhaust fans running to keep heat and humidity in control, so that also works against any easy way to build up CO2 in the grow room. I’ve given up on adding CO2 unless I do a big upgrade in the future and do it correctly in a closed environment.
No not worth the money. If you must try co2 then many way cheaper ways, but honestly it’s more trouble then it’s worth.
Unless absolutely everything is absolutely perfectly dialed in. Ph, temp, RH, and you have a super intense light, and force feed them, then they can not even use the extra co2 any ways. On top of that you need to keep it in the tent some how if you do manage to get everything else absolutely perfect…
I also have a CO2 gauge, and it did show the levels going up about 200-300 ppm, though only when the fans were off and in the dark cycle in flowering stage (which is the right time anyway for higher CO2 levels to make a difference).
It may or may not have made any real difference, since there were other negative factors, but price-wise, I think it was a waste of money.
I know that, but with the fans off in a grow tent, it’s the only way you can build up the CO2 levels to 500-1000 ppm before the fans kick on at the beginning of the light cycle during flowering.
If you don’t have extreme light and a sealed environment then they’re not going to use up any of the co2 they may produce. Normal co2 levels are perfectly fine for your typical at home lighting.
Huh? (edit - Ohhh - flowering stage get that, dark period…ehhh.)
Increased levels of CO2 accelerates photosynthesis. Photosynthesis doesn’t happen with the lights out.
When the lights are off the plant uses stored energy to continue “growing”, but most of the energy is focused on the internal structures of the plant. Including defenses.
The plant gets stronger lights off, not bigger. Extra CO2 won’t effect this as the plant is using the stores of energy IT made during the period of photosynthesis. Also when it consumes the bulk of the nutrients we supply.
Sunshine is a hell of a drug!
In short, the average homegrower, of which I am below average and NOT even approaching the middle, isn’t going to see anything from buying CO2 other than money flying out of the window.
Trust dude - I approached the idea from every angle. It’s not worth the effort.
@spacey, I noticed you mentioned that your fans are off during the dark period. You might want to reconsider that. It’s pretty important to keep the air moving around in there, not just during lights on. I think you’re at a much higher risk level for WPM and other issues if your air gets stagnant during lights out!
Definitely keep air circulation in the dark. I run a small lights out oscillator fan. PM very common this year, lots of rain frequently, even outdoor grows are getting it. (Michigan). R
Never noticed a difference. Running 8" fan in a 4x8 air total air replacement happens in a minute. That co2 goes right out with it. Tried 1 time and never wasted the money again. Just my experience with the containers.
